AT last a decent day for a bike ride, bright conditions, frequent sunny spells and mild with it.

The route up through Blackrod was highlighted with the view of Winter Hill in sunshine then after a brief stop at Wrightingon for tea and toast riders dropped down on to the flat Lancashire Plain via Stoney Lane to the north of Parbold village.

The large group of cyclists, their multi coloured tops vibrant in the sun, threaded their way through the lanes to their predestined lunch break at Martin Mere.

A fine day like this had brought out large numbers of bird watchers to view the many species that visit this renowned wild fowl sanctuary, founded by the famous naturalist Peter Scott. The hungry cyclists, however, only had food and drink in mind as they queued patiently at the busy cafeteria.

Watered and fed the group resumed the ride, taking in Rufford, passing the black and white Tudor house, Rufford Hall. Croston was gained via the hamlet of Sollom and the little used farm road that crosses the rickety Red Bridge, a novelty really as the surface timbers all jump up and down to a cacophony of sound as the bikes go over, the more the merrier.

Since this is the social season and distances covered are not great, tea drinking becomes something of a habit, and the friendly tearoom in Croston has become a firm favourite. The ride from here back to Bolton is little more than an hour's ride by way of Coppull Moor and Adlington, and having had a rain free day the ride finishedwith a real sense of achievement, a day out without the need for waterproofs.

The festive season really gets underway next Sunday as the Clarion's annual Downhill Competition sets the tone for the club Christmas Dinner.

The downhill venue is in the Rivington area, and though the winner is dubbed 'Christmas Pudding', competition is quite serious among the contenders, some members even train for the event. The dinner held after the event takes place at Monica and Friends at Chorley. Christmas attire or fancy dress is optional.

Meet at the Town Hall Square for 9am start to the ride.

Members are asked to note that the date for the above has been brought forward one week.

For information on the above event tel. secretary 01204 491595. E-mail amy01@ic24.net